Got this email today.... just wanted to pass along the information:
Continental Airlines® has made the decision to end its participation in the SkyTeam® alliance on October 24, 2009. As a result, after this date, SkyMiles® members will be unable to:
Earn miles with the SkyMiles program for travel on Continental
Earn miles towards Medallion® status on Continental
Enjoy elite and lounge privileges on Continental
You may continue to book Award Tickets on Continental flights thru October 24, 2009 for travel thru October 24, 2010.

We know these benefits are important to you, so please remember that with the Delta and Northwest Airlines® merger you'll enjoy:
An unprecedented global network with the largest airline in the world, including flights to 379 destinations in 66 countries in six continents
A best-in-class loyalty program that will continue to offer a minimum of 500 miles on every flight and a full mile toward Medallion status on all coach fares, regardless of booking channel
And, Medallion members will continue to experience:
A host of benefits, including unlimited complimentary upgrades, mileage bonuses, priority boarding and preferred seating
And now, more ways to qualify for elite status - including segments
During the transition period, we will do everything in our power to ensure you receive all the appropriate benefits when flying Continental.

Stay tuned for additional updates about Continental's SkyTeam departure, and our exciting merger with Northwest.

I don't think one can book travel through 10/24/10. Even if one books it on 10/23/09, the furthest award one can get is likely to be around 9/24/10.

Yes, that makes sense rkkwan - I just c/p the email from delta...

I know. I get the same email.

Speaking of their "exciting merger with Northwest", what's most exciting these days is the divorce between US Bank, which used to issue the NW Worldperks credit card and DL/NW.

I have a card, and in the last several weeks I have received many mail from US Bank about the transition to their own rewards card. And then DL/NW is hitting back to with emails saying about how that "other" card is not associated with them anymore, and one should get a AMEX Skymiles, etc.

It's getting ugly.

Oh, I think I understand what that 10/24/2010 deadline meant now.

Say you issue an award ticket on 10/24/2009, that ticket is "valid", or have value for a year. So, you can still change it later (fees may apply, of course). But the very last day travel may be permitted on that ticket will be a year from its issue. In case the ticket was issued 10/24/09, that one-year expiration will occur on 10/24/2010.

Agree that MSP is fine, but it is spread out and not quite as easy as CLE IMO. But if you got a good deal on NW/DL I certainly wouldn't let a MSP connection stop me.

I got the same e-mail that I didn't understand, so please tell me if this is correct:

Continental and Delta will have FF programs, only from Oct 24, 2009 we cannot use Delta points on Continental and vice versa, and cannot combine them.

Both airlines will continue their FF programs independently from each other.

Right? (language problem)

CO and DL always have separate FF programs, and you can never combine miles anyways.

CO is leaving Skyteam on 10/24/09. So, after that date, you cannot claim CO miles for a DL (or other Skyteam) award. Similarly, you cannot use DL Skymiles (or other Skyteam miles) to claim an award on CO.

Oh, I see. Thank you, RK!